Soldier
The Last Resort / Combat 84 Lyrics

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Soldier soldier standing there
Watching your mates march round the square
You're in there without a fight
You could lose your best friend tonite

You're in there without a change
You're in there without a chance
Bring 'em, bring 'em, bring 'em back now

Your country needs you
That's what the poster said

But now there's nothing you can do
Because you're fucking dead

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song Soldier by The Last Resort / Combat 84 paint a vivid picture of a soldier standing in formation, watching his comrades march around the square. The opening line "Soldier soldier standing there" sets the mood for the rest of the song, which is a dark and gritty portrayal of the harsh realities of military life.

The second line "Watching your mates march round the square" highlights the sense of camaraderie that exists among soldiers, as they march together in unison. However, the lyrics take a darker turn as they suggest that the soldier may lose his best friend tonight. This line is particularly powerful, as it drives home the fact that soldiers put their lives on the line every day, and that they have to face the possibility of losing someone close to them.

The next two lines, "You're in there without a fight / You could lose your best friend tonite", suggest that the soldier is feeling helpless, and that he has no control over his situation. He is in the military now, and he has to deal with the consequences, whether he likes it or not. The following lines, "You're in there without a chance / Bring 'em, bring 'em, bring 'em back now", urge for the soldiers to be brought back home safely.

The final lines, "Your country needs you / That's what the poster said / But now there's nothing you can do / Because you're fucking dead", are particularly poignant, as they emphasize the loss of life that occurs in war. The soldier has given his life for his country, but in the end, it seems that he has little control over his own fate.

Line by Line Meaning

Soldier soldier standing there
Soldier, soldier, you are standing at attention

Watching your mates march round the square
Watching your friends march around in formation

You're in there without a fight
You didn't enter the army to fight

You could lose your best friend tonite
Your friend could die tonight in action

You're in there without a change
You have no control over the situation

You're in there without a chance
You are doomed with a hopeless fate

Bring 'em, bring 'em, bring 'em back now
Bring the soldiers back home immediately

Your country needs you
The government wants you to fight for the country

That's what the poster said
Propaganda urged you to join the army

But now there's nothing you can do
You are stuck in the situation with no way out

Because you're fucking dead
You either die in action or lose part of yourself in the fight